Belkyra Fat Dissolving Treatment in Oakville

Fullness under the chin, sometimes referred to as “double chin” or ‘turkey neck’ is a common, yet under-treated, facial aesthetic concern that can impact both women and men. Causes may include: 

• Aging: it may naturally develop as you age, often it starts to appear in our 30s 

• Genetics: simply said, it may be part of your DNA 

• Weight changes: it may be a result of gaining weight 

Sometimes, no matter how much you diet or exercise, the fullness in this area takes away from having a beautiful jaw line  and may make you feel like you look older and heavier than you actually are. 

Deoxycholic acid is a molecule that is naturally found in the body (such as in bile salts) and aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat.  

Belkyra™ is a non-human, non-animal source of deoxycholic acid molecule formulated for injection. It is the world’s first approved permanent fat dissolving injectable. 

Belkyra™ is the first and only licensed injectable treatment in Canada that targets and eliminates fat cells under the chin. It is a quick & safe treatment, which can be completed in 15-20 minutes at Merrion Medical Aesthetics in Oakville.  

Belkyra™ gradually improves your chin profile through a series of treatment sessions customized by Dr Kate. 

Belkyra™ has been FDA and Health Canada approved to treat submental fat (‘double chins’ or ‘turkey neck’). 

Belkyra™ is a cytolytic agent. Cytolytic agents destroy cells. When injected into subcutaneous fat it causes permanent destruction of fat cells. The body then starts an inflammatory response to clear the injection site of cellular debris and liberated lipids.

The inflammatory response also brings about some skin tightening and dermal thickening- this is why it takes 6-9 months after your last treatment to see the final outcome.

You do get a nice visual change early on, Most patients begin seeing results 3-4 weeks post-injection, but the final result is 6-9 months later. 

Belkyra™ might be right for you if: 

• You’re bothered by fullness under the chin 

• You do not want to have surgery 

• You are happy to have between 2-4 in office treatments and give yourself time to see the results (often 9 months to maximum results although results start to appear about 3 weeks post treatment).  

Belkyra™ is not suitable if you have hypersensitivity to any component,  infection in the treatment area, are under 18 yrs of age, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is not suitable if there is excessive skin laxity, if you have current or a previous history of swallowing problems or have had a previous face or neck lift.  

Caution is advised if you have bleeding abnormalities or are on current anti-platelet or anti-coagulant medication – these patients may be able to proceed depending on Dr Kate Healy’s assessment but there is a risk of additional bleeding and bruising.  

Fat dissolvers will always lead to swelling of the area treated for a few days to weeks. This is how the product works and it's a vital part of the dissolving process- your body sets up inflammation to clear away all the old fat.  

All patients are advised to expect swelling, numbness and discomfort on average lasting 3-6 days. Even after this first week there will be some swelling, firmness and numbness in the area for several weeks. Some patients prefer to wear a scarf or turtleneck initially. Embrace the swell, it's proof that it's working!  

Nearly all patients feel able to resume work the next day. 

Because of this anticipated swelling we advise you do not schedule the procedure within a few weeks of any important social events.  

Belkyra™ is a permanent fat dissolving solution to a heavy neck/jawline. Unlike botox or dermal fillers, this treatment is permanent as long as you maintain your current weight.  

Belkyra™ is used off label in other areas such as the jowl, saddle bags, front bra roll, abdomen, mons pubis, banana roll and bat wings. 

Submental fat and jowls can be treated through traditional aesthetic surgical procedures performed under general anesthesia (such as face lifts and neck lifts), targeted liposuction, as well as devices such as radiofrequency procedures. There are also unlicensed lipolytic drugs.  

There are unlicensed lipolytic drugs that some clinics use, and these unlicensed products are cheaper than Belkyra™. The products are compounded by various local pharmacies and in compounded material there can be different ingredients and concentrations so the doctor and patient can never know exactly what you are getting. Dr Healy choses to only offer licensed, FDA and Health Canada approved deoxycholic acid, Belkyra™, manufactured and supplied by Allergan as a fat dissolving injection for her patients.  

The cost is based on the amount of fat that needs treatment and the patient’s desired final result. Dr Kate will be able to advise you on the cost for your treatment once she has assessed you and takes into account your goals.  

All patients can expect to have swelling, numbness and discomfort, lasting on average 3-6 days. Swelling and firmness in the area can take many weeks to resolve.  

Other side effects can include pain, bruising, infection, skin damage and itch. There is a risk of temporary nerve injury in 1-4% of patients and it takes on average one month to resolve. Sometimes there is temporary loss of hair at the site. 

A small number of patients fail to respond or under respond. Results are not guaranteed.  

Dr Kate Healy will discuss all risks in detail with you in person and s happy to answer any questions that you may have.